graphic noir

I have to admit it. I can’t get around it any longer. I hated the visuals for The Darkness II the first time I saw it. The graphic noir look just didn’t jibe with me. Digital Extremes took great care in hand-painting every texture to give the sequel a comic book look. It gives the game an appearance that’s not cel-shaded and also not photorealistic. It’s vibrant, gorgeous and something that doesn’t seem to complement a dark brooding comic book series.

The second time I saw The Darkness II was at E3 recently, and maybe it was the time of day or the fatigue but I thought I was getting used to the visuals. The demo featured Jackie Estacado on the hunt for the Brotherhood, an anicent organization that at one time wanted to keep the Darkness bottled up. Over centuries, the group became twisted and wanted the Darkness’ powers for themselves.